Detroit is on the mend and on its way back to the thriving economic powerhouse it once was. With the development of the city’s downtown area, residents are seeing some much-needed improvements for the city. However, some residents are concerned the city’s revitalization will only make for a great tourist destination. As Detroit works to reclaim its position as a booming metropolis, how are metro Detroiters feeling about the change.
Luxury stores, restaurants, clubs, oh my! Detroit has made several recent announcements about the incoming businesses to the city. Making headlines, fashion brand Gucci announced the opening of a brand new store in the heart of downtown Detroit. Since, a comedy club, a shake bar and the iconic restaurant, Sugar Factory, have all announced Detroit as its’ new home. Bringing attention to the city, Detroit’s economic stance is expected to grow with each new business as shoppers and diners are expected to flood the city.
“I think that big name businesses opening up downtown will positively affect Detroit’s economy by bringing more people into the city, where before they’d have to travel to Troy or Birmingham in the suburbs. This subgroup of people would normally spend a day outside the city and now they can spend a day in the city. It’s not just Gucci or Shinola on a trip. That same group of people is now shopping at Gucci and following it up with lunch at the Dime Store or The Block,” said Marc Rice. “These popular stores and restaurants coming will also positively affect other businesses in the vicinity.”
The revitalization of the downtown area comes at the hands of large investor groups who have claimed their stake in the city’s pivot. However, some Detroit residents are concerned major backers are leaving no room for African American investors looking to add to the city’s appeal.
“I was a resident of the Millender Center from 1996 to 1999 and the transformation is unbelievable. White people have invested the majority of money in the revitalization process. In my opinion there are plenty of Black investors willing to finance projects but rarely do we get an invite to sit at the table,” said Darwin Filey. “Black communities like Detroit never fully get the respect they deserve for all the negativity shown on the news. Where are the stories on the numerous Black-owned businesses up and down Livernois?”
The economic impact of the recent developments is causing a debate as African Americans are feeling left out of the city they never abandoned. However, as one local resident suggests, it may give Black communities the opportunity to gather funds to have a stake in the city.”
“It might mean instead of using money from your inheritance or the family business, maybe you have to pool a few of your business-minded friends together to grab some space. It can absolutely push people out but it doesn’t have to,” said Mariah Andrews. “People just gotta figure out a plan of action and stand their ground in their communities if they want to keep them. They have to make sure they get active in the areas where these conversations are happening and these decisions are being made.”
In the early 2000s, Detroit was left for dead as the city was hit with financial difficulties causing the once lively city to lose its luster. Now, just a decade later, the city is working towards becoming synonymous with other large cities such as Chicago and Atlanta. Though concerns of the erasure of Black culture have been on the minds of some Detroit residents, others feel Detroit is taking the proper steps to head into a new era.
“If you look at other big Midwest cities like Chicago, for example, Chicago has a big Black population and has plenty of luxury and designer shopping spots in the downtown area. I personally think our downtown is taking that next step,” said Rice.
The new move will look to bring newcomers to the city as well as serve as a place where residents and Metro Detroiters to live, work and play. For those who have grown up in the city, the much-needed change is welcomed.
“I’ve lived in Detroit my whole life and I never really cared to go downtown much until recently. There was not much positive change happening the first 20 years of my life as far as I can recall. It seemed kind of abandoned really. There was stuff, but nothing like the downtown of any other big city. And we deserve to have that vibe too. I know a few people have an issue with the ‘who’s doing it’ part but when things need to get done, somebody has to do it. Now because of these changes, Detroit is going to become more marketable as a place people should and do want to visit and spend money,” said Andrews.
Developments are expected to be complete for some of the new businesses by summer of 2022, just in time for the warm weather. Pushing additional money into the city, these developments may work to change the landscape of Detroit and bring awareness to the city that rose like the Phoenix.
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